14 An amazing decision (1/2)
”Next test will also be simple. You will be called to the stadium and must demonstrate 3 basic martial techniques whatever, as long as they are completely mastered. ”Ye Zuo pronounced.
The second stage was very simple and practically no one had been disapproved in it until today. Since those who would probably be disapproved in that test were no more than the first stage, the intent of the test was only to make sure that only those who possessed decent talent could enter.
One by one, the candidates went up on stage and demonstrated several types of martial techniques.
When Zao Tian was called, people came back to comment on him. The anger and envy of people like Lin Bei increased even more when they saw Zao Tian going to Ye Zuo's tent. Looks of expectation and hate contrasted with everyone.
Zao Tian simply ignored all those looks and demonstrated the techniques 'Gray Wolf Claw', 'Fast Steps' and 'Steel Fists'. All were basic techniques and Zao Tian preferred to demonstrate these instead of 'The Styles of Heaven's Fury' and 'Fast Star'. He did not want to attract more unnecessary attention by demonstrating techniques never seen before.
Zao Tian's level of understanding of the techniques presented was as large as possible. He had completely mastered those techniques. This even made the Elders of the 'Star of War School' sigh in admiration and praise the talent of Zao Tian.
Ye Zuo was once again happy with Zao Tian's performance and nodded in approval.
Zao Tian waved back as he walked to the tent.
As in all previous years, no one failed in the second test, but the big test was never any of the first two. The third test was always the real test.
Ye Zuo stepped forward in front of the other Elders and solemnly announced: ”The third and final test will define those who will be accepted by my 'Star of War School'. You must enter the 'Dark Forest' and collect each, 10 cores of Spiritual Demonic Beasts. You will have 2 days to run the test and you can form alliances and groups the way you want. ”
The 'Dark Forest' was the habitat of the Demon Beasts in the 'Golden Province'. The most diverse types of Demon Beasts lived there and each Demon Beast possessed a nucleus of power that was equivalent to his cultivation. The Demonic Beast Core can be extracted after its death, the nuclei can be used in several different ways, creating pills, enhancing weapons, extracting spiritual energy, among others.
The sale of Demonic Beasts' nuclei was the main source of income for several cultivators in the 'Golden Province'.
”In addition to 10 nuclei of Spiritual Demonic Beasts, those who bring in a core of a Demonic Demon Beast will also be approved, but do not take a step higher than their legs, if they encounter a Dominating Demon Beast, of your cultivation ... Even if they form groups, the chances of killing a Dominating Demon Beast are almost nil. That said, from now on you will have 2 hours to prepare. When this time expires, meet us at the entrance to the 'Dark Forest'. ”After finishing explaining the test and alerting the candidates to the possible dangers, Ye Zuo waved to the other three Elders and they immediately withdrew from the square.
A huge commotion swept over the square, everyone yelled and ran about to form groups, alliances, and prepare for the next two days. Some even took advantage of the situation and began selling items and weapons at a price higher than normal.
Ye Zuo went to his tent and surprisingly Zao Tian was still there.
”Junior, are not you going to try to form a group or get ready for the hunt?” Ye Zuo asked.
”As the honorable Elder knows, I do not have any kind of background, even if I leave here, I could not buy anything. As for joining a group ... I still do not know who to trust, I think it will be better to go it alone, though it makes things difficult for me, a false ally is even more dangerous than an avowed enemy. ”Zao Tian said, discouraged . He wanted to prepare himself properly, but his father could barely buy the tunic he was wearing, buy a weapon or food was impossible.
”Junior, you're very brave! Even with no money to buy food and knowing that the only solution to this problem is to risk entering into a group, you'd rather take the risk by going it alone. ”Despite understanding Zao Tian's situation, Ye Zuo could do nothing but feel sorry his. Zao Tian was not yet a disciple of the 'Star of War School', so Ye Zuo could not provide any help to him, no matter who he was, could be favored.